Air Canada Suspends Key US Routes Amid Surging Fuel Costs

Airline cites Iran war's impact on jet fuel prices as reason for service cuts to New York and Utah

Apr. 20, 2026 at 2:18am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a stack of airline tickets, a fuel nozzle, and a crumpled airline schedule arranged elegantly against a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the financial pressures facing the airline industry due to surging fuel costs.The financial strain of rising fuel costs forces Air Canada to make difficult route cuts, exposing the industry's vulnerability to global conflicts.Salt Lake City Today

Air Canada announced it is suspending select U.S.-bound flights, including all service to New York's JFK airport and Salt Lake City, Utah, as jet fuel prices have more than doubled since the start of the Iran conflict. The airline cited the routes' lack of profitability due to the surging fuel costs as the reason for the cuts, which will last at least five months.

Why it matters

The route suspensions reflect the significant financial strain airlines are facing due to the Iran war's impact on global fuel prices. As jet fuel costs surge, carriers are being forced to make tough decisions to consolidate their networks and cut less profitable routes, which could disrupt travel plans for many passengers.

The details

Air Canada said the cuts, set to take effect this summer, will impact all service to JFK airport from its Montreal and Toronto hubs from June 1 through October 25, 2026. Flights to Salt Lake City, typically served only from Toronto, will be suspended beginning June 30 with service expected to resume in 2027. The airline also said two domestic routes between Vancouver and Fort McMurray, and Toronto and Yellowknife, will be suspended, with no resumption date provided. Additionally, the planned launch of service between Montreal and Guadalajara, Mexico has been indefinitely suspended.

  • On April 20, 2026, Air Canada announced the route suspensions.
  • The JFK service cuts will be in effect from June 1 through October 25, 2026.
  • Flights to Salt Lake City will be suspended starting June 30, 2026 with service expected to resume in 2027.
  • The Vancouver to Fort McMurray route will be suspended on May 28, 2026.
  • The Toronto to Yellowknife route will be halted on August 30, 2026.

The players

Air Canada

A major Canadian airline and flag carrier of Canada.

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What’s next

Air Canada did not provide a specific timeline for when the suspended routes may resume, stating only that service to Salt Lake City is expected to return in 2027. The airline said it will contact affected customers to provide alternative travel options.

The takeaway

The route cuts by Air Canada highlight the significant financial challenges facing the airline industry due to surging jet fuel prices in the wake of the Iran conflict. As carriers struggle to offset these rising costs, travelers may face more disruptions and fewer flight options, especially on less profitable routes.